How to Read the Bigtime Series
Jennifer Estep's Bigtime series is best read in publication order. Because characters reappear across books and the overarching universe develops over time, following the release sequence ensures you won't miss any running jokes, superhero team dynamics, or romantic subplots. The series follows different heroines in each installment but keeps a continuous timeline in the fictional city of Bigtime, New York.
Recommended Reading Order
- Karma Girl (2007) – Follows investigative reporter Carmen Cole as she exposes superheroes and villains, only to find love with the leader of the Fearless Five.
- Hot Mama (2007) – Focuses on Fiona Fine, a fashion designer and superhero known as Fiera, who must balance saving the city with a steamy new romance.
- Jinx (2008) – Centers on Bella Bulluci, whose luck-manipulation powers lead to chaos and love with the charming thief Debonair.
- A Karma Girl Christmas (2011) – A holiday novella (Book 3.5) focusing again on Carmen Cole as she protects a holiday charity drive from a festive threat.
- Nightingale (2012) – Follows event planner Abby Appleby as she becomes entangled in a high-stakes superhero showdown.
- Fandemic (2015) – The final installment, featuring a story of fandom, secret identities, and superheroic showdowns.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
For the Bigtime series, publication order and chronological order are identical. The only minor consideration is the novella, A Karma Girl Christmas, which was published in 2011 but takes place chronologically between the events of Jinx (Book 3) and Nightingale (Book 4). For the best experience, read it as Book 3.5.
The World of Bigtime
Estep's Bigtime universe is a campy, comic-book-inspired homage to classic superhero media like Marvel, DC, and 1960s TV shows. It is populated by the Fearless Five superhero team and creative, over-the-top "ubervillains." Unlike the author's darker urban fantasy series, Bigtime maintains a lighter, romance-heavy, and fun-filled tone.